The India U23 Football men’s team wrapped up their Tajikistan tour with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against the Kyrgyz Republic at the Hisor Central Stadium on Saturday.
While the final result leaves room for disappointment, the performance offered encouraging signs, particularly in terms of defensive shape, teamwork, and chance creation. However, a recurring issue the inability to convert key moments into goals once again denied the Blue Colts a deserved win.
In a game that India controlled for large periods, it was the Kyrgyz goalkeeper who proved to be the difference-maker. Time and again, India found themselves in promising positions only to be thwarted by resolute goalkeeping or poor execution in the final third.
Bright Start But No Reward
India began the game with energy and intent. The young side, coached by Naushad Moosa, looked far more cohesive than in previous matches, pressing high and combining well in midfield. Early efforts from Parthib Gogoi and Bikash Yumnam were saved brilliantly, setting the tone for a frustrating evening in front of goal.
The Kyrgyz Republic, who themselves were looking to end their campaign on a high note, had their moments too. An early long-range effort forced Indian goalkeeper Sahil into action, but the shot lacked venom. For the most part, India’s defence, led by Bikash Yumnam and Pramveer, stayed solid and organized, cutting out crosses and making key interventions.
First-Half Highlights: India Knock, Kyrgyz Hold Firm
The first half was marked by India’s growing control in midfield, with Mohammed Aimen, Shivaldo Singh, and Vibin Mohanan linking up well to control possession. However, the Kyrgyz defence absorbed pressure effectively and their goalkeeper remained alert, producing a series of impressive saves.
- In the 27th minute, Abhishek Tekcham delivered a curling ball into the box, which Bikash Yumnam met with a strong header. But once again, the Kyrgyz keeper was equal to the challenge, pulling off a fingertip save.
- Minutes later, a dangerous free-kick from Parthib Gogoi was also saved after bouncing awkwardly in front of goal.
- Just before the half-time whistle, Pramveer had another golden chance with a header from a corner, but it was tipped over.
Despite multiple chances, India went into the break without a goal a familiar theme for this age group over the last few international outings.
Second Half: Changes Galore, No Change in Fortune
As the second half began, Moosa rang in the changes. Four substitutions saw Nikhil, Aimen, Vibin, and Parthib replaced by Dippendu, Sanan, Macarton, and Joseph Sunny. These were expected to freshen up the attack and midfield, and for brief spells, India looked reinvigorated.
- Mohammed Sanan, who had impressed in training and came on early in the second half, was heavily involved and won multiple fouls for India.
- In the 53rd minute, Kyrgyz Republic threatened with a dangerous ball into the box but a weak shot ended safely in Sahil’s gloves.
- India responded through a clever free-kick routine that nearly resulted in a goal, but the final effort once again went straight at the goalkeeper.
Further substitutions followed, including the introduction of Suhail Bhat, the scorer in the previous game against Tajikistan. But despite fresh legs, India could not find the decisive goal.
Closing Stages: Near Misses and Missed Opportunities
The last 15 minutes saw both teams push for a late winner. Vinith Venkatesh came on in the 87th minute for Aimen, adding more attacking intent. A few more efforts were launched, including a volley from the edge of the box and a clever flick in the six-yard area, but all were met with resolute goalkeeping or went off target.
There was even a five-minute stoppage time period where India applied further pressure. Still, the final whistle confirmed what the 90 minutes had suggested: this was a game where India did almost everything right, except score.
Positives: Defensive Solidity and Team Chemistry
Despite the lack of goals, India’s defensive performance was a standout. Led by Bikash Yumnam at centre-back, the team kept a clean sheet and showed much better organization than in previous matches.
- Sahil in goal was calm and composed whenever called into action.
- Pramveer and Shivaldo Singh added energy and width from the flanks.
- The midfield, anchored by Vibin and supported by Macarton, looked more fluid and structured.
Team chemistry, a concern coming into the tour, looked improved. The transitions were smoother, and the press was more coordinated. Moosa’s tactical instructions were followed better in this game, with the team maintaining their shape and pressing in key areas.
Negatives: Lack of Clinical Edge, Misplaced Passes
However, the most glaring issue remains India’s finishing. Despite creating more than half a dozen decent chances, the Blue Colts failed to find the back of the net. The Kyrgyz goalkeeper had a solid outing, but India lacked variation in the final third and failed to convert promising situations.
Another worrying aspect was the number of misplaced passes, particularly in the final third. Attacks often broke down due to rushed decisions or poor communication, a factor that will need urgent attention before the next international window.
What Next for the Blue Colts?
With the Tajikistan tour now complete comprising a 2-1 defeat to Tajikistan and this 0-0 draw with Kyrgyz Republic India U23 will return home with plenty of takeaways. The performances were promising in spells, but a lack of match sharpness and winning mentality was evident.
Coach Naushad Moosa now faces some big decisions:
- Which players are ready for consistent minutes?
- Who needs to be rotated out of the core group?
- And most importantly, how can India become more effective in front of goal?
The India U23s may not have won in Hisor, but the draw against Kyrgyz Republic was not without merit. It showcased potential, tactical growth, and improved team chemistry. What the Blue Colts now need is time together, more matches, and confidence to turn possession and pressure into victories.
As the road to future AFC U23 tournaments and Olympic qualifiers continues, performances like today must serve as building blocks strong in structure, but in need of finishing polish.
